Saturday Night Live blamed altitude sickness and regret at missing out on his wedding anniversary. Jon Stewart blamed his “mouth language.” But President Obama himself has another explanation for his lackluster performance in last Wednesday’s presidential debate: “I think it’s fair to say I was just too polite,” he told a Houston radio host this morning. And the POTUS has no intention of letting that happen again.

The titular host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show was frank with POTUS this morning, bluntly asking him, “What happened at the debate?” Here’s Obama’s full response:

The debate, I think it’s fair to say I was just too polite, because, you know, it’s hard to sometimes just keep on saying ‘and what you’re saying isn’t true.’ It gets repetitive. But, you know, the good news is, is that’s just the first one. Governor Romney put forward a whole bunch of stuff that either involved him running away from positions that he had taken, or doubling down on things like Medicare vouchers that are going to hurt him long term.

Translation: At the next debate on Oct. 16, the gloves are coming off. I expect nothing less than a straight-up fight to the death, preferably one that begins with both candidates summoning their respective zords. (Romney’s is a mighty elephant; Obama’s is a donkey, but a cool one.) They could also each choreograph a big, Bring It On-style cheer routine; I’m not picky.